Naga city: The Department of Public Works and Highways in Bicol (DPWH-5) announced that the Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) operations in Naga City have significantly improved the drainage capacity of major waterways, benefiting communities prone to flooding.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH-5 spokesperson Justin Dayandante stated that ongoing declogging, clearing, and desilting operations have improved the capacity of Sagop Creek and Capucnasan Creek to effectively discharge water into the Bicol River. As of June 29, the project has surpassed half of its drainage clearing target, with 2,279.80 cubic meters of drainage cleared and 129,813.2 cubic meters of waterways desilted.

Dayandante noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive has accelerated the rehabilitation of waterways and strengthened flood mitigation efforts, following his visit to the project's implementation on February 21. The initiative aims to protect private property and public infrastructure from water damage, ensure road accessibility and public safety during adverse weather conditions, and enhance the city's climate adaptation and disaster resilience.

The project is slated for completion by July 31, but Dayandante indicated that full implementation might extend into next year due to the persistent accumulation of solid waste and rapid vegetation growth that obstruct waterways. The operations target vulnerable urban and residential communities, with a focus on the populous Concepcion Peque±a area near Julian B. Meliton Elementary School.

Visible improvements have been noted in Capucnasan Creek, where cleared materials are now being used by the Naga City government for backfill at the City College of Naga. The operations have covered multiple areas including Sagop Creek, Capucnasan Creek, the Bicol River, and other key locations.

The initiative plans to expand, with 31 identified OKB sites set for dredging and clearing operations across Naga City and Camarines Sur.